A HISTORY OF SCIENCE 



just beyond, as if to view with approval this beautiful 

 exemplification of his work. 



One of these cases illustrates the variations of animals 

 under domestication, the particular specimens selected 

 being chiefly the familiar pigeon, in its various forms, 

 and the jungle-fowl with its multiform domesticated 

 descendants. 



Another case illustrates very strikingly the subject 

 of protective coloration of animals. Two companion 

 cases are shown, each occupied by specimens of the 

 same species of birds and animals in one case in their 

 summer plumage and pelage and in the other clad in 

 the garb of winter. The surroundings in the case have, 

 of course, been carefully prepared to represent the true 

 environments of the creatures at the appropriate sea- 

 sons. The particular birds and animals exhibited are 

 the willow-grouse, the weasel, and a large species of 

 hare. All of these, in their summer garb, have a brown 

 color, which harmonizes marvellously with their sur- 

 roundings, while in winter they are pure white, to 

 match the snow that for some months covers the 

 ground in their habitat. 



The other cases of this interesting exhibit show a 

 large variety of birds and animals under conditions of 

 somewhat abnormal variation, in the one case of al- 

 binism and the other of melanism. These cases are, 

 for the casual visitor, perhaps the most striking of all, 

 although, of course, they teach no such comprehensive 

 lessons as the other exhibits just referred to. 



The second of the novel exhibits of the museum to 

 which I wish to refer is to be found in a series of alcoves 

 close beside the central cases in the main hallway. 



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